[EBB Sightings] Could I have seen a Black Rail?

Firstly, I want to thank everyone for their suggestions of birding hot-spots.  We spent a lovely afternoon at Las Galinas.  As usual, it was a Harrier jamboree, and the aquatic birds did not disappoint.

At the last minute, we decided not to continue on to Bolinas, because we didn't feel like dealing with the return traffic, and instead headed back to Arrowhead Marsh.

I was creeping along the boardwalk, looking over the edge for Rails, when *something* ran past.  I only got the quickest glance at it, but my brain immediately said "Black Rail!"  It was quite small, and black, running chicken-like on little legs, it struck me as being quite "roundy."  I remember thinking, "Where did that little black pom-pom of a bird go?"  

I spent the next forty minutes or so, hoping to get another glimpse, but wasn't lucky.

Have Black Rails been spotted at Arrowhead, recently?  I've seen California Clapper Rails, and a few Soras, but none of their cousins.  I've always liked the illustrations of Black Rails in bird books.  They're so amusing and improbable.

Lisa Lazar